And remember: A retreat is an investment in your career, as well as an opportunity to get away. If they’re out of your price range, then perhaps a writing residency would be a better fit. Or, check out this list of grants for writers.

The 37 writing retreats below take place in 2018; they range in price, location and focus — so hopefully you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs.

Unless otherwise noted, the prices include workshops, accommodation (often shared), activities and most meals — but not airfare to and from the destination.

If your chosen retreat has already happened, don’t despair; click through to check out next year’s dates, as many of them are annual affairs.

Lastly, I haven’t attended any of the retreats listed, so it’s imperative you do your own research before signing up. Ask to see testimonials or reviews, or search online for blog posts by past participants.

1.

This non-profit program will hold its 15th annual retreat from January 11-21, 2018, in the Mexican village of Tepoztlán. (With some special festivities for its quinceañera!)

It’s intended for “committed writers with projects underway,” as you’ll attend six three-hour workshops — with master instructors — on one of the following topics: fiction, poetry, memoir or investigative journalism.

Cost: $1,895 per person (does not include accommodation and some meals).

2.

If you have frequent flyer miles, this affordable retreat on the stunning islands of Zanzibar might be the perfect way to kick off the new year.

Taking place from January 18-21, 2018, it’ll use creative nonfiction and poetry to explore the idea of saudade, which the leaders define as “that inexplicable feeling of longing.”

Cost: $470-$550 per person.

3.

Run by the Vancouver School of Writing and hosted by writing coach and author Kathrin Lake, here’s another economical retreat.

It offers group classes and one-on-one coaching in writing and publishing from January 22-28 and February 19-25, 2018. Once those retreats fill, March and April dates will be added.

Cost: $850 CAD (~$681 US) per person (does not include accommodation or most food).

4.

I love the sound and attitude of Aimee Hansen’s women-only writing retreats in Guatemala — and from her glimmering reviews, they live up to their promise.

You’ll stay on Lake Atitlan and enjoy daily yoga, meditation and writing sessions. So far, she has two dates on the calendar for 2018: January 27 to February 4 and July 6-15, two more in Tennessee (October) and Montreal (May).

Cost: $1,495-$1,895

5.

Bring your partner and niños along on Julie Hartley’s creative writing retreat from February 3-10, 2018.

You’ll stay on a working farm in the heart of the rainforest, with easy access to both hammocks and hikes. Each morning, you’ll participate in creative writing workshops, and each afternoon, you’ll have time to write or explore.

The week begins and ends with public readings — which your family is welcome to attend!

Cost: $1,399-$1,849 per person (does not include lunch or dinner); $340 per child (if sharing a room with two adults).

6.

This 10-day all-inclusive writing retreat in Southern India will give you time to work on your projects — and also to explore the vibrant local culture.

The price includes all meals (Indian food!), four writing workshops, a one-on-one session with one of the novelist hosts and three daytrips. It takes place from February 10-20, 2018.

Cost: €1,200 per person (~$1,419 USD).

7.

Experience the real Hawaii during this Big Island retreat from February 28 to March 6, 2018.

The 120-acre seaside retreat center features a pool and jacuzzi, and a “full schedule” of yoga, meditation and movement classes (one per day is included in the price).

Cost: $1,195-$2,925 per person.

8.

Interested in spending a week writing on the beach in Mexico, while making friends with flamingos and turtles?

This retreat from March 11-17, 2018 features writing workshops, daily yoga — and “a community where, regardless of your writing background, you can explore the story you need to tell.”

The hosts offer an Italy retreat in late April, too.

Cost: $1,850 per person (does not include some dinners).

9.

Find inspiration and friendship in the redwoods: This newish retreat has sessions from March 14-18 or 21-25, 2018.

Both dates feature literary agents, yoga, organic meals and wine, as well as organizers who want to give “emerging voices in fiction” the “space and time to write within a community of similarly motivated artists.”

Cost: $2,347-$2,597 per person.

10.

If you’re a fiction writer looking for a quick and affordable getaway, this retreat might be for you.

Set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains from March 15-18, 2018, it offers workshops, critiques and readings.

The organizers promise you’ll “find inspiration in the natural beauty that will surround you.”

Cost: $299-$399 per person.

11.

On this retreat in the Indian Himalayas from April 1-8, 2018, you might find the solace you need to finish that important project.

The organic farm’s resident facilitators — a psychologist and an author — will guide you through everything from discussions to long walks, bonfires, yoga and pottery.

Cost: $1,400 per person for a single room.

12.

This retreat is on the expensive side, but it seems like you get what you pay for: intimate workshops and panels with famous authors like Lauren Groff and Hilton Als.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the incredible country of Iceland. It runs April 11-15, 2018.

Cost: 299,000 ISK (~$2,842 US) per person.

13.

Julie Maloney has hosted women’s writing workshops for more than a decade, and this spring she’s returning to the Jersey shore for the tenth straight year.

If you join her April 27-29, 2018, you’ll participate in writing workshops led by her and bestselling author Jacqueline Sheehan.

For a more exotic getaway, Maloney also has a 10-day retreat in Greece each fall.

Cost: $890 per person for a private room (does not include lunch and some dinners).

14.

Escape to the charming Irish city of Galway from May 14-21, 2018, where you can work on the next great screenplay.

You’ll receive guidance from Bill Boyle, an award-winning screenwriter who will “teach you how to create a powerful, visual narrative that will viscerally engage the interest and imagination of your readers.”

Cost: $3,499 per person (does not include all meals).

15.

On this small group trip run by Lara Dunston and Terence Carter of Grantourismo Travels, you won’t only dive deep into Cambodian culture — you’ll leave with “enough content to craft a compelling story, series of blog posts and/or a strong set of images.”

Dates run from May 20-27 or July 1-8, 2018, during which you’ll experience markets, cooking classes and temples, as well as writing and photography workshops, coaching and support.

Cost: $2,955 per person.

16.

Itching to finally write that book? Croatia sounds like the perfect place to get started.

This all-female retreat, which focuses on first-time writers, will take place from May 6-12, 2018. It’ll include writing sessions, creativity sprints, and group feedback and support.

Cost: $1,395-$2,195 per person (does not include breakfast or dinner).

17.

For 31 years, this retreat — in one form or another — has been providing an immersive learning experience for people writing novels.

It’s switching locations this year, and will be held on a 15-acre retreat center outside of Boise from May 22-31, 2018. You’ll participate in workshops, intensive writing and one-on-one meetings with industry professionals.

Cost: $1,895 per person for a single room.

18.

Want something a little different?

Schedule your own private retreat with Tammi L. Coia, a memoir-writing coach who lives in Bellingham, Washington. You’ll stay at her house, in a private bedroom with water views. Each day, you’ll have one-on-one coaching alongside home-cooked meals.

If you’d rather work in a group setting, Coia also holds retreats in Greece, Hawaii and California.

Cost: $1,050 per person for three days.

19.

Want to explore Venice while sharing stories and making new friends? Pink Pangea co-founder Jaclyn Mishal will lead this women-only retreat from June 10-14, 2018.

You’ll stay in central Venice and participate in daily writing workshops and tours. The company also hosts retreats in other countries throughout the year.

Cost: $895-$1,359 per person (does not include lunch or dinner).

20.

Picture a charming mansion by the ocean in Newfoundland, and something like Ochre House would probably come to mind. It’s hosting a writing retreat from June 10-15, 2018 for writers of all stripes.

Under the guidance of “extraordinary” instructors, you’ll discuss writing techniques and tools, as well as “the place of writing in one’s life.”

Cost: $750-$1,000 per person (single or double occupancy available).

21.

At this four-night weekday retreat in the English countryside, you’ll learn from novelist and screenwriter C M Taylor.

In an intimate setting, you’ll have classes that focus on all aspects of scriptwriting: genre, theme, act structure, character arc, dialogue and action. It takes place from June 18-22, 2018.

Cost: £595-£625 per person ($784-$824 US) for a single room.

22.

If you’re one of the many writers who love to run, you might enjoy this retreat, which will occur June 25-30, 2018 in rural North Carolina.

After a two-mile trail run each morning, you’ll have a full schedule of workshops, critique groups, writing time and social events. The culminating event is a 10K race through the woods!

Cost: $1,499-$1,899 per person.

23.

What is it with writers and Greece? Something about this country and its magical islands must really inspire.

This retreat — now in its 16th year — will take place on the island of Andros from June 27 to July 7, 2018.

Hosted by journalist and writer Kathryn “Kitsi” Watterson, it features workshops in the mornings, free writing in the afternoons and group dinners each evening.

Cost: TBD (2016’s rate was $1,600; does not include lunch).

24.

Spiritual writers will love escaping to the pristine Lake Annecy from July 1-8, 2018.

At this retreat for aspiring book authors, host Debra Moffitt will help you “access your own inner wisdom and creative energy” through writing and meditation.

Cost: €1,299 (~$1,538 US) per person (increases after March 31).

25.

This women’s writing retreat is hosted by The Future Is Red’s Leigh Shulman.

It will take place at a resort in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua from July 7-14, 2018 and includes daily yoga, meditation and writing workshops, an in-room massage — and of course, abundant opportunities to relax on the beach.

Cost: $2,500-$3,800 per person.

26.

Aimed at fiction writers, memoirists and poets, this retreat will take place July 7-14, 2018 near a quiet lake in Wales.

It’s hosted by award-winning authors Peter E. Murphy, Roberta Clipper and Christine E. Salvatore and includes over 20 hours of workshops, guidance on publishing, organic meals and trips to castles and the coast.

Cost: $1,920-$2,295 per person.

27.

Travel with author and editor Henriette Lazaridis to her ancestral home in the mountains of northern Greece.

Before the workshop from July 16-21, 2018, you’ll need to submit a sample for group critiquing: either 50 pages of a novel manuscript or two short stories. You’ll also need to apply to the workshop with a 10-page writing sample.

Cost: $3,250 per person (does not include breakfast or most dinners).

28.

This all-inclusive retreat will be held in Denmark from August 12-18, 2018.

You’ll stay in the shadow of Fredensborg Palace, a “magical setting” where you can “dream and create.” Both beginners and experienced writers are welcome.

Cost: $2,500 per person.

29.

Let life on the Green River inspire your writing on this women’s retreat, which takes place August 27 to September 1, 2018.

You’ll spend six days floating through Utah’s majestic canyons, going on guided hikes and writing under the guidance of Page Lambert — all while sleeping under the stars each night.

Cost: $1,899 per person.

30.

Learn to tell your story while escaping to the mythical Irish island of Inis Mór from September 7-14, 2018.

In addition to writing workshops with host Irene Graham, you’ll enjoy guided walks and tours of the remote island — and even a pony trap ride!

Graham also hosts other retreats throughout the year, including one for memoir writers.

Cost: €1,550 (~$1,361 US) per person.

31.

Looking for a “truly idyllic environment to hone your writing talent”? Travel to Tuscany from September 15-22, 2018.

At this retreat, you’ll enjoy writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions and nightly social hours, all while staying in a 17th century Italian manor.

This company also hosts retreats in Venice, Prague and southwest France earlier in the year.

Cost: $1,850-$2,400 per person (does not include lunch).

32.

From September 21-28, 2018, yoga teacher and writing coach Kerstin Pilz, PhD, will guide you in group and one-on-one writing sessions — all while exploring “authentic Vietnam” to “ignite your creativity.”

Cost: $1,550 per person.

33.

Find your words in a country that’s produced some of the greatest literary minds in history.

At this Donegal retreat from September 24-30, 2018, you’ll receive practical instruction in writing and editing, as well as one-on-one critiques of your work.

Also included in the cost are Gaeilge language and Irish ceildhe dancing classes, concerts, an island boat ride and guided walk.

Cost: €990 per person (~$1,173 US) with lodging and breakfast.

34.

Because we can’t get enough of Tuscany: Vanessa Carvale’s retreat will take place from September 24 to October 1, 2018, at a villa a few miles from the historical city of Florence.

It’ll include workshops, one-on-one coaching and even an on-site pasta making class.

35.

Cruise to writing success on this nautical retreat from October 13-20, 2018.

You’ll participate in workshops, writing sessions and parties, network with an agent and editor — and also make land in three different Caribbean ports: Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Ochos Rios, Jamaica.

Cost: $1,750 per person.

36.

For more than 50 years, creatives have traveled to this island outside of Savannah to seek inspiration.

Retreats take place in February and October 2018 and include workshops, readings and one-on-one manuscript critiques.

Cost: $1,095-$2,495 per person.

37.

Want to get away, but not too far away? Try this women-only retreat in Taos, New Mexico, hosted by author Jennifer Loudon from October 28 to November 3 (who also hosts additional sessions in the spring and summer).

Hi there,
Cost is a problem with Writing Retreats admittedly! – not just the cost of attending one, but also organising one: the cost of the speakers, their flights, the accommodation (we rented a twelve bedroom house) and the catering (freshly cooked local food to inspire).

At we offer five-days full board and accommodation for £1000 in a manor house in beautiful SW France.

HOWEVER, we are running competitions to offer TWO FREE places (inclusive of tutorials, food, accommodation, but not travel costs to France) to writers of talent and merit over the coming year and to start with, on the two courses above.

The first two candidates of merit to submit work will win.

There will be a reduction of £100 for any reader of this article.

Please me for details and to submit your work. Don’t let the fact you can’t afford a retreat put you off – we are currently looking for writers of talent to introduce to our literary agents.

We work with leading UK literary agents including Andrew Lownie and Jonathan Pegg, as well as many UK University professors and published authors of acclaim.

Another retreat to add is a brand new one coming to the scene in 2016. Writers Who Run (or Walk) Retreat in western North Carolina with a focus on novel writing. 5 days, 4 nights in woodsy setting with morning trail runs (or hikes), 2 morning workshops each day, Daily Mile Markers, 2 hours of writing time, and Roundtable critiques for First Page, First Chapter, and Synopsis. Last day finale is an actual running race on the trails! 6 miles. Non-runners will hike with each other and soak in the beauty of the forest. First year inaugural price is only $950. Includes lodging and all meals and race entry fees. Visit for more info and to register.

Hello there,
I am a lifelong writer and a teacher. I am launching into the world of hosting Writing Retreats at my own home in central France in the lesser-known Creuse area, with its connections to George Sands – including two of her homes in beautiful locations which I will take guests to visit. My husband is in charge of cookeing for both meat-eaters and veggies. We recognise the importance of laying on all meals and refreshments and we think that our affordable pricing will come as a pleasant surprise.
The website

I will be on hand to do critiquing, and hope that the intimate atmosphere – just four writer guests, each with their own room – might inspire the sharing of support and the giving of feedback on one another’s work.

Our first Le Mot Juste retreats (with early booking discount) are on the following dates:
Monday 14th August 2017 – Saturday 19th August 2017

Monday 4th September 2017 – Saturday 9th September 2017

Monday 25th September 2017 – Saturday 30th September 2017
Free pick-up/drop-off service to/from Limoges Airport or Station.
Each of the above retreats consists of a five-night fully catered stay
Discounted price £380 if booked before 20th December 2016.

Hi Tan,
Have you started on this yet? I’m in Qld and 2016 was going to be my year I started running retreats. Instead, it’s the year I seriously start writing. A writers retreat in Australia sounds like something I’d like to do or be involved in running. I did a course in running and promoting retreats last year. Phone email me at [email protected]

I am currently attempting to write a grant to visit Australia for educational purposes (I am a teacher). Attending a writing seminar in August 2017 would be of interest to me! Let me know if you establish anything!

Yes. All these listed are much too expensive, still having to pay regular bills even though away from home. There ARE places that give subsidies and/or cost nothing or next-to-nothing, e.g., MacDowell, Hemingway-Pfeiffer, etc.

Then apply to Hedgebrook. It’s free (lodging and 3 meals), throughout the year, and the best writers retreat in the world. I wonder why the article did not talk about it. All you need is to be talented.

….we are happy to take up to 2 volunteer helpers on each course. We try to fit the genre of the writer with the course, so would ask to see work.. but this is one way of being able to take advantage of the lessons, for a little help organising. There would only be the flight to pay… Karen

I have attended the TLC Writing Retreats and recommend them. I was lucky enough to attend three retreats in different places. I love getting away to write, learn, and experience the uninterrupted peace and beauty. I came away with a renewed confidence in my writing. Tammy Coia is an experienced writer and teacher who shares her love of life and adventure.

Sorry to sound pathetic, but what about those of us who can’t afford to pay a grand or even a few hundred bucks? Are there are any free ones, especially for women who have survived abuse and/or are currently in an extremely …horrible situation? Are there any grants or ‘scholarship’ type programs? Thanks in advance….

Hi Eve — we wrote about writing residencies (usually low-cost or free) and grants for writers (money to fund your writing) in separate posts. Let us know what you think, and best of luck with your writing journey!

Hi Heather– Yes, retreats are usually pricey, but a good investment in your career. However, when you have to choose between paying your bills and going to a retreat, of course you have to be practical. I’ve put together several retreats that only some can afford. BUT I’m offering FREE attendance to 5 people for my Visual Mindscape Screenwriting Retreat with award-winning screenwriter Bill Boyle. If you’re a screenwriter, TV writer or even a playwright, you may want to enter for a chance to win this fantastic retreat. Here’s the link to enter:

Or suffering from Fibromyalgia or any other chronic pain disease. At least take a percentage off of their choice of retreat. I would love to go to Tuscany, France or Ireland. I just have a book inside of me that wants to come out but I need help getting the beginning down on paper. Or something like that. LOL.

Susan, thanks so much for including our “Peru Weaving Words & Women” 2016 retreat! I know that’s more than a year away, but this gives everyone a chance to save a little money every month. My 2015 offerings include the “Literature & Landscape of the Horse” retreat in Wyoming this June, and “On the River of Discovery with Women of Influence” in Utah, September 2015. Couldn’t pass up the chance to mention them. Thanks again, Susan! Page Lambert

Dear Susan, Here’s a link to the video summary of the 2014 French Alps, Exploring the Voice of Your Soul (retreat: ). It gives a good idea of the place, the good food, and the diversity of the group.

I’m open to answering any questions about it — or putting those of you who are interested and want to know more, in touch with some of the 2014 participants. The group bonded so much that we continue to meet by phone once a month.

Such a wonderful list and love to see my friends from Wide Open Writing listed here! Yay! Thank you for your consideration – I’d like to share that I’ll also be offering a week-long workshop at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY in May 2015: Yoga & Writing: Creating Fearless Flow.

Ooooh, I love this post!!! Incredible writing retreats. Here’s a great post on how to pick a great writing retreat: gatelesswriting.com/the-truth-about-writing-retreats/
And I’m partial to the gateless method of doing writing retreats that include bodywork, fabulous organic food and are based on brain science that says in order to make our work soar, we need to learn where we shine, where the strengths are and how to lean into our innate talent.
xxxooo, S.

‘Writing at Sea’ offers the remarkable opportunity to expand your creative writing skills while sailing through some of the most breathtaking parts of the Bahamas. During this 10-day voyage aboard S/V Sea Dragon, you will be provided with a unique space to create new writing that cultivates an awareness of our marine environment and takes into regard the ecological challenges humans place on the oceans.

Pangaea Exploration is offering THREE $500 grants to writers to join the “Writing at Sea” expedition

Writers participating in this voyage will also get the opportunity to submit work to the online blog of Whole Terrain, the award-winning journal of reflective environmental practice. Exceptional pieces of writing may also be chosen to be published in the print journal of Whole Terrain. Writers will also get the opportunity to publish blogs via the Pangaea Exploration website.

For more information about the writing grants and to apply, please visit:
Applications are due on February 14th, 2005.

Writing in Ancient Ireland – with Irene Graham
Set on the western shores of Ireland on Inis Mor, one of the Aran Islands, this Fiction and Autobiographical Fiction Writing Workshop and Retreat evokes creativity, the heart of your story…and your sense of self.

Eat gastronomical delights, stay in high-end accommodation at the foot of Dun Aengus Fort, enjoy walks to ancient sites with a Celtic scholar, and let the raw beauty of this ancient landscape nuture your soul, and your writing.

Another Retreat, Memoir Writing – is nestled beside The Cliffs of Moher, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean…you can read all about that here…

I’d like to add the Mokulē‘ia Writers Retreat on the North Shore of Hawai‘i, May 3–8, 2015. This annual retreat is led by Constance Hale, author of Sin & Syntax. Lodging and meals are included in the cost.

“The Mokulē‘ia Writers Retreat is an annual gathering that brings three dozen writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, and memoir to the North Shore of O‘ahu for a week of intimate workshops and one-on-one coaching. The retreat is high-level and professional — but also low-key and tuned in to the beauty of the surroundings. We foster an exchange in two directions — between islanders and mainlanders, published writers and budding writers, Native Hawaiian artistry and mainland publishing.”

Wonderful list, Heather. I’m late to the party but wanted to let anyone interested know that we still have spaces available for the 2015 IRELAND WRITER TOURS, one tour in August, and one in September. These are unique week-long writers’ conferences facilitated by best-selling authors with private editing sessions, group workshops and classes, combined with guided tours of Ireland. It all comes at a great price that might cover an edit OR a vacation ($1,625 USD). Each tour is limited to 12 participants to ensure personalized attention. Further info on FB, Twitter and our website: . Thank you.

I know others have mentioned this, but..the prices of these things! How could struggling writers afford any of them? Seems a total mis-match between what is offered and the people who would need it. Just saying.

You make a good point. I run the Creative Revolution retreat mentioned above, and we do try to make the retreats as affordable as possible. Most of the cost for us covers food, lodging and all the other extras of the retreat itself. It is cheaper than a regular vacation but still costs.

That said, not all writers are struggling. Many, also, are transitioning from full time jobs to writing, so they have the income to support a retreat but not the experience of writing. For others, a retreat is a good investment for a career. A semester long writing class costs even more.

But of course, retreats aren’t for everyone, and many writers create their own retreats, too.

It is a big investment, but one well worth planning ahead for. I run the Rainforest Writing Retreat in Australia and I get a lot of writers talk about how much they’d love to do this, but can’t afford it. We’re all in that situation at times and my advice is to plan to give this to yourself one day (we also run ours at cost just to provide a service for other writers, but it is still a big expense). You deserve this. Maybe not this year, but maybe next year or the one after.
You will make the most amazing connections at a retreat, and you’ll push your career forward. Every retreat would see success stories emerge from that experience.

I really want to run one on a fancy train one year (a mystery retreat!), but it’s out of my affordability to set it up just yet (all these venues require big deposits), but I’ll work toward it!

I will agree and say that these retreats are [mostly] very expensive, as they do not include the cost of missed work, airfare, etc. That said, for most people, one of these retreats is a “special” thing and not a yearly choice. If you choose the right one carefully and do the work, it will sustain you for some time to come.
I started running workshops this summer, and I’m always stretched between how much it is costing me and how much to charge. I have patrons who can subsidize my costs [sometimes].
Recently I taught in Paris in a very prestigious location; I was aware that most people who attended did not live in Paris and had to pay for a hotel and flight, so I figured out other creative ways to fund the class.
But a writing retreat has to make the instructor money too, otherwise they are just giving their work away.

The best thing, I think, to look at are not testimonials on websites or ads for retreats that make you feel good–but retreats run by writers with accomplishments that you appreciate. Go look at what they have published–do you think they are worth what they are charging? Do you see a published platform and writer who you feel can lead you and teach you, and be worth the money you just saved and spent? If you don’t see the kind of work you’d like to be crafting–or at least enough work of quality to admire–then choose a retreat by someone else.
This always helps me decide if a conference or other event is worth my time.

Another alternative is to look at events run thru convents and monasteries or retreat centers. They often have lower rates, and include meals and rooms for 50-75 a night, which over a three day stay is very affordable indeed. Services are not usually mandatory and they have programs for people who cannot pay oftentimes.
I’ve gone to some of the best classes in convents and retreats–and appreciated the quiet from the world.

I wanted to add. Yes, retreats like the one I run are more expensive than many other ways of writing. That said, we find some really amazing places, get good prices and choose our locations based on creating a retreat that is affordable. It is also going to be less than if someone went on a vacation to the same area and paid for food and lodging on their own.

And as far as choosing a retreat. Yes. Choosing a retreat based on writers whose writing you love is a good guide, but it’s also important to remember that not everyone who writes well also teaches well. They’re too very different skills.

In that sense, it’s important to find a retreat that has a philosophy that fits your needs. For example, our retreat caters specifically to women who want to start writing or step up their writing. Most are in non-writing professions, and many want to travel. We also place a huge focus on self care as a way to support creative energies.

We’ve found, too, that once people join our webinars and get to know us online, they want to work with us in person. We give a lot of ourselves to the women with whom we work, and we love doing it.

But every writers wants something different. We’re not right for everyone. But the women who are right do not regret the money they spend on our retreat. We work incredibly hard to make that a reality.

Hi Leigh,
Well it’s certainly true that not everyone who can write well can teach well. I’ve thought a lot about this, having been to a few courses where the instructor was wonderful, but couldn’t help me get my writing plan on course. They are two very different skills, as you say, but personally, why not go for both?

For myself, if someone asked me for advice, I would tell them their instructor must have a writing track history they appreciate, as well as testimonials of on their manner and friendly approach. That is the perfect pairing, in my view. One without the other means I might feel motivated but not walk out with a skillset I need. I ask myself: is what this teacher done reflect any aspect of my own goals? Can they give me the skillset to reach them? Have they reached their own? I want to get better. I want to walk out shining, which some writing in hand that I love.

I agree that a retreat or course must also have a philosophy which suits your needs. There’s nothing worse than showing up to a yoga writing retreat if you hate yoga., or a retreat which asks so much of you creatively that you are too tired to create.

As for my comments on cost, those addressed the comments I read–there were many asking what is less expensive. I’m sure every retreat on this list has done it’s finest to be economical, and they aren’t cheap to run. My suggestions were more directed towards people who cannot afford several thousand dollars to go write, no matter how much they would like to. I have supported your retreat and publicized it in the past, so I’m not addressing your retreat in particular–or really any retreat here in particular..

Many instructors also provide short courses, or webinars–like yours. I have agreed to teach one workshop in Paris each year for practically nothing–it is such an expensive city; other workshops I teach are quite expensive. I like to provide a little something for free or very cheaply once a year.

But as I mentioned above, self led retreats at convents, Buddhist centers, monasteries–or asking a few friends to come–also makes for a great retreat. A good friend of mine has a retreat at her house once a month for writers–everyone comes and writes. There are many ways to have a retreat.

To combine a retreat with a travel experience is a lot of work. My retreats in foreign lands are in the thousands next year. As we both know, the cost of details, food, hotel–it is adds up.

All the more reason to choose your retreat carefully: a teacher you relate to and admire, who writes beautifully, has successes you can apply to your own plan, and who you can lay your writing life down in front of with confidence that they will gently help you shape with it care….you’ll get where you want to go!

I hear you, which is why we selected accommodation with a wider range of rooms (and therefore prices) for our retreat in Cambodia this year, which will be our second.

My writer-photographer husband and I are hosting a 10-day retreat in late May 2016 Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor Wat, including almost all meals, all activities, experiences, tours, transport, guides, creative workshops, starting at US$1,200 – and I must say, participants will be staying in absolutely beautiful, intimate boutique hotel properties, eating in Cambodia’s best restaurants, and doing some phenomenal experiences, most of which they couldn’t arrange on their own. Some participants are getting US$700 flights so for US$2,000 it’s a bargain and that’s what we intended.

We are not only covering writing, however, we’re covering writing opportunities, pitching, and blogging, as my husband and I have not only had a very long and successful career as writers for print (scores of guidebooks, including many first editions, and hundreds of stories for magazines, newspapers etc), we also run a popular blog, do online work (at the moment we’re doing a series of long-form narratives and video clips for the site of an Australian broadcaster) and we’re writing a cookbook. Writers who leave our retreat should be able to make their retreat costs back by publishing a few stories – and we’ll tell them how to do that.

If you look at it that way, as has been said below, it’s really an investment and if you made the right choice about which retreat to do, and which is right for you, then it should be a good investment that pays off.

I just posted the dates for our next retreat on the Creative Revolution website. You can see all the details here:

This is our second retreat at the Samasati Nature Retreat, and we were absolutely thrilled at the response. We maintain a private FB group for participants post the retreat, and the people we met in February are already pitching and publishing. It’s very exciting!

And of course, you are always more than welcome to e-mail with any questions. [email protected]. Both Jeanie and I receive all the e-mails to that address, and we reply quickly. 🙂

For those of you who are disappointed that they missed the past retreats, there is an amazing writers retreat coming up August 8-15, 2015 at the award-winning Jungle Bay Dominica which has been named among the top retreat properties in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and Huffington Post: